Classes and Categories

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We highly recommend watching the short video above as an orientation to the Classes and Categories for the DeRose-Hinkhouse Memorial Awards.

In choosing your option, the first major distinction is between Publications, Content Items and Campaigns.

Publications, including Written and A/V Publications, will be judged as a whole, based on the judging criteria. For example, if a magazine article (or issue) were submitted in Class A. Periodicals > Category 5. Articles and Stories, judges would consider the design, layout, copywriting and graphics of the article (or the entire issue).
Content Items will be judged on their own merit, distinct from the publication in which they appeared. For example, if a magazine article were submitted in Class H. Writing for Periodicals > Category 2. Magazine, judges would consider the written content of the article without regard to design, photography or other articles in the magazine.
Campaigns generally consist of multiple and varied publications and content items. They are judged as a whole, and primarily on their effectiveness at meeting objectives. Be sure to include results in your summary.

Each Publication and Content category breaks down further into a single work or series of planned works with a common theme or purpose and by the same author(s). A/V Productions can also submit a segment of single work, such as one portion of a longer broadcast.

Use the chart below to give you ideas. When you fill out the entry form, it will help you drill down to the right Class and Category.

Written Publications
Works that are primarily intended to be read or viewed. Submissions may be for a single work or a series of planned works with a common theme or purpose and by the same author(s). Each entry is judged as a whole based on the judging criteria.
  • APeriodicals
    Works that are published on a recurring and regular basis.
    • A-1Newspapers
    • A-2Magazines
    • A-3Newsletters
    • A-4Blogs
    • A-5Articles and Stories: A single article, story or post, or series of such, appearing in a newspaper, magazine, newsletter or blog.
  • BBooks
    • B-1Fiction
      • B-1aAdult: A work intended primarily for persons age 18 and older.
      • B-1bYouth: A work intended primarily for persons under age 18.
    • B-2Non-fiction
      • B-2aAdult: A work intended primarily for persons age 18 and older.
      • B-2bYouth: A work intended primarily for persons under age 18.
  • CWebsites
    Submitted sites will be viewed during the months of Jan-Feb prior to the awards ceremony.
    • C-1Organizational: Sites focusing on the mission and activities of an organization.
    • C-2Topical: Sites focusing on particular topics.
  • DSpecialty Publications
    • D-1Annual Reports
    • D-2Posters
    • D-3Flyers
    • D-4Booklets
    • D-5Press/Media Kits
    • D-6Other
A/V Publications
Works that are primarily intended to be heard and/or watched over a fixed length of time. Submissions may be for a single program/episode or a series of programs/episodes with a common theme or purpose and by the same author(s). Each entry is judged as a whole based on the judging criteria.
  • ENews and Magazine Broadcasts
    Works or portions of works that are broadcast on a recurring and regular basis, with the primary consumption expected during their initial broadcast. Examples would be traditional news and talk-show programs. "Magazine Broadcasts" are programs that present a variety of topics, usually on current events, in a format that often includes interviews and commentary.
    • E-1Radio: Over-the-Air, Satellite, and Cable transmissions
    • E-2Web Radio: Internet-only, audio-only transmissions
    • E-3TV: Over-the-Air, Satellite, and Cable transmissions
    • E-4Webcasts: Internet-only, audio-visual transmissions
  • FShorts and Feature Presentations
    Works which are not part of a regularly recurring broadcast and which are primarily intended for a special presentation or on-demand viewing. Examples would be recorded audio programs, video shorts or feature-length movies. (Note: podcasts and vlogs are in the Specialty Programming class.) Any of these may be entered as a series or a single work.
    • F-1Audio
      • F-1aCommercial or PSA
      • F-1bPromotional/Informational
      • F-1cEntertainment/Inspirational
      • F-1dDocumentary/Educational
    • F-2Video
      • F-2aCommercial or PSA
      • F-2bPromotional/Informational
      • F-2cEntertainment/Inspirational
      • F-2dDocumentary/Educational
  • GSpecialty Programming
    Any of these may be entered as a series or a single work.
    • G-1Podcasts
    • G-2Vlogs
    • G-3Webinars
    • G-4Social Media
Content
These Classes are for individual authors, co-authors, and artists to submit their works for consideration as distinct from the publications in which they appeared. Submissions may be for a single work, or a series of planned works with a common theme or purpose and by the same author(s). All must be produced and used for publication, display, or audiovisual presentation. Each entry is scored on its own merits; Example: if the entry is for writing, judges disregard any images or design elements which may accompany it. If the entry is for design, quality of writing is disregarded as judges consider design aspects of the entry.
  • HWriting for Periodicals
    • H-1Newspaper
      • H-1aArticle or Story
      • H-1bCover or Feature Item
    • H-2Magazine
      • H-2aArticle or Story
      • H-2bCover or Feature Item
  • ISpecialized Writing
    • I-1Editorial: An article published as the official expression of a periodical’s opinion.
    • I-2Broadcast Script: Written for audio or video broadcast.
    • I-3Non-Broadcast Script: Written for audio or video. Includes writing for PowerPoint presentations.
    • I-4Technical: Includes such items as manuals, instructions, signage, terms of service, etc.
  • JArtwork
    • J-1Photography
      • J-1aArticle or Story: Image(s) used with or as an article or story.
      • J-1bCover or Feature: Image(s) used on a cover or with a feature article or story.
    • J-2Videography:
      • J-2aArticle or Story: Video work(s) used with or as an article or story.
      • J-2bCover or Feature: Video work(s) used with or as a cover or feature article or story.
    • J-3Illustration
      • J-3aArticle or Story: Illustration(s) used with or as an article or story.
      • J-3bCover or Feature: Illustration(s) used on a cover or with a feature article or story.
  • KDesign
    This class is for design as distinct from writing and artwork. While some content, particularly imagery, plays a major role in design, judges will be primarily looking at the overall aesthetic and functionality of each entry.
    • K-1Publication Design
      • K-1aArticle or Story: Design for an article or story.
      • K-1bCover or Feature: Design for a cover or a feature article or story.
    • K-2Website Design: Design and layout as distinct from content.
    • K-3Logos and Branding
    • K-4Packaging Design: Such work as design for CD/DVD covers, boxes and various containers.
Campaigns
A campaign is “a planned set of communication activities, each with a specific defined purpose, continued over a set period of time and intended to meet communication goals and objectives relating to a nominated issue.” (Kim Harrison, Strategic Public Relations—A Practical Guide to Success, 5e). Judges consider the campaign and its parts as a whole.
  • LCampaigns
    • L-1Public Awareness: Campaigns to raise awareness of an organization, brand, service or product.
    • L-2Community Relations: Campaigns to improve an organization’s relationship with the large or small community in which it operates.
    • L-3Media Relations: Campaigns to generate positive coverage or address negative coverage by media outlets.
    • L-4Public Affairs: Campaigns to create an impact on matters of policy.
    • L-5Crisis Management: Campaigns to address organizational crises.
    • L-6Disaster Response: Campaigns to address natural or man-made disasters.
    • L-7Fundraising: Campaigns to raise funds for an organization or cause.
    • L-8Internal: Campaigns addressed to employees, staff, volunteers, etc.
    • L-9Specialized Campaigns: Campaigns with a purpose not otherwise listed above.